§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the number of farmers in Scotland who have not yet received payments under the 1994 arable aid scheme for land set aside from oilseed production for non-food use; how much money in total is currently being withheld; what is the reason for the delay in making such payments; and when he expects the money to be released.
§ Sir Hector MonroSeventy-nine payments involving a non-food crop element under the 1994 arable area payments scheme, amounting to a total of just over £2.3 million, are being withheld. My Department has no authority under the relevant EC legislation to make these payments until the collectors-first processors concerned have sent the Intervention Board the necessary documentation covering proof of delivery and the board has given formal clearance for payment to proceed.
My Department will make these outstanding payments as soon as the Intervention Board can give the necessary clearance.